iMac often changes Preview for jpg files to Firefox or other

Since I had a service person working on my iMac (El Capitan) and using Terminal, opening jpg files is now a problem. Not sure the Terminal use really is the culprit. When I click a jpg it always went to "Image Data Converter Ver.4.app" (an app I never noticed I had). Trying to change the preferred app, Preview was not even on the list. Forcing all to use Preview, again and again it started using that app. Putting the app in the trash, it still went to the trash to use it. I finally deleted the app. Then it started using Firefox to open jpg. Same again, forcing to use Preview for all. Then again it comes back. I have done all the obvious but still occasionally iMac uses Firefox. No idea what to do!

iMac, OS X El Capitan (10.11.6)

Posted on Jan 16, 2018 8:18 PM

Top-ranking reply

Kappy

Level 10

362,007 points

Posted on Jan 22, 2018 12:35 AM

Select a .jpg or .pdf file. Press Command-I to open the Get Info window and go to the Open With panel. From the Default App drop-down menu locate and select Preview then click on the Change All button. Repeat for each extension you prefer Preview to open. If Preview isn't found on the drop-down menu then at the bottom of the list select Other. Locate Preview in the File viewer, select it and click on Open button.

I suggest you also rebuild the Launch Services database.

Rebuild LaunchServices Database

Open the Terminal application in your Utilities folder. At the prompt paste in the following command in its entirety:

find /System/Library/Frameworks -type f -name "lsregister" -exec {} -kill -seed -r \;

Press RETURN. Wait for the Terminal prompt to return after which you can quit the Terminal.

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21 replies

bjprc Author

Level 1

23 points

Jan 22, 2018 5:24 PM in response to Eric Root

Sure... The article gives explanations only geniuses understand 😉

bjprc Author

Level 1

23 points

Feb 16, 2018 6:11 PM in response to bjprc

So, the problem comes back again regularly. Unless Master Kappy comes up with another suggestion I will need to dig myself....

bjprc Author

Level 1

23 points

Feb 20, 2018 7:44 PM in response to Eric Root

OK, why not try indeed... Thanks.

Mar 17, 2018 1:22 PM in response to bjprc

Re: Mac's Grab keeps opening my screenshots & dragged desktop images in Grab instead of Preview. PLEASE HELP

Apr 21, 2018 11:42 PM in response to leroydouglas

My OS is actually macOS 10.13.4 but I will report anyway. Thanks!

Jan 21, 2018 9:09 AM in response to bjprc

I also have the problem with jpegs opening with Firefox instead of Preview. Pdf files would open in iBooks. Additionally, clicking on links in retailers' emails opened Firefox. I have noticed when this is occurring, if I go to apple>system preferences>general, the default web browser window is blank, with no choices available with the up-and-down arrows. My temporary fix is to re-start the computer. After re-start, the default web browser window shows Safari, and the types of files mentioned open in preview. Email links open in Safari again. Everything acts normally for awhile, but the problem comes back. This has been going on for a couple of months now.

bjprc, I am wondering if you have tried the fix to "rebuild launchServices database" suggested by Kappy? If so, could you please post here with your results? I am considering trying that step too, but like you, I am always scared to try anything that could have unintended consequences. I am on El Capitan 10.11.6, on a mid-2014 21.5" iMac.

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iMac often changes Preview for jpg files to Firefox or other